Fret slots question...straight or radiused?

[timmus]

Hey all,

This is probably a very basic question for most here but I can’t seem to find an answer to it specifically and in my book, the only stupid question is the one not asked…

I’m looking at, in the not too distant future, refretting a bass (Spector NS-4) I bought a few years ago that had the frets removed before I bought it. I got it for next to nothing so it’s a practice platform for me. I replaced the truss rod in it a year or so ago as it was broken.

One thing I can’t seem to find any info on is this; when recutting the fret slots, are they cut straight across or does the bottom of the slot follow the radius of the fretboard?

The slots appear to be filled with wood filler so using a hooked slot knife that StewMac sells may be all I need to clean them out but if I need to use a saw, I want to make sure I do it correctly (saw straight or radiused).

Thanks!

[Rocky McD]

They are radiused, the same contour as the fretboard. A saw with a depth tab really helps keep the cut constant. Also, a proper miter box would help stay on the slot.
Rocky

[timmus]

Excellent, thanks! I will have to order up a fret slot saw from StewMac soon...I can probably DIY a miterbox to keep things straight and square.

[mikeyswood]

You should PM me if you are looking to buy the StewMac one...

[timmus]

PM sent